Tips to Renting a Home

July 11, 2011 Leave a Comment
Credit cards

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Renting a home is a big decision that has long reaching consequences for you and your family. A home is much more than simply a place to keep your belongings safe and rest your head. When you rent a home, you will be continuing a credit history that can follow you throughout your life. In many instances, you will either need a co-signer to rent a home or you will need a pretty solid history of credit.

If you find that you need more of a credit history, a credit card such as the Vision prepaid credit card can be just what you need to help you establish it. Much easier to qualify for than a traditional credit card since it is secured with your own money, this type of credit card often does not require that you have a bank account. It can be a convenient way for you to build up the credit that is necessary so that you can rent a home.

By using your Vision prepaid credit card, you will be able to pay your bills quickly and conveniently since you can use it the same way as you would any other credit card. This history of paying your bills on time will help you establish that you are a good credit risk when it comes time for you to rent a home. This is one of the critical items that potential landlords will look at when deciding if you are a suitable renter. Building up a suitable credit history is the first tip that you should follow when it comes to renting a home.

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Renting your First Home

June 17, 2011 Leave a Comment
The interior of a loft condominium at 400 Sout...

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You want to find a home that will work for your desires and pocketbook. What should you consider? What should you avoid?

  • Decide on an apartment, condo or family home. Renting an apartment may include more amenities like a weight room and a swimming pool, but will you use the facilities? A condo usually has more space than an apartment, but may be more costly to rent. A home may be your cup of tea, but what floor will you be renting? If it’s the basement, are there sufficient windows for light?
  • Check out the neighborhood. Yes, you’re renting, but the upkeep of yards will tell you a lot about the caliber of folks living in the area.
  • Make sure everything works. Check out the stove, the refrigerator, the shower, etc. If something isn’t working, or isn’t working properly, make sure the landlord knows about it before you move in.
  • Clean carpets, clean walls and a clean and a mowed and weeded yard will also tell you a lot about the rental. Don’t settle for anything you can’t truly live in.
  • Make sure you can afford a first and last month payment and a security deposit. If you have a pet make sure you have extra money for that. Go over your monthly expenses so that you know you can afford everything.

Renting your first home, whether it be apartment, condo or family home, can be a lot of fun. But getting what works for you takes digging. Make sure you have asked the questions and feel good about your decision before signing on the dotted line.

 

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Creating Beauty in your Home without Spending a Mint

June 15, 2011 Leave a Comment
Purple velour pillow

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You want your home to look like those designer magazines you love. The problem is you have little cash to spend. Is there a way to get the look you want without spending a mint?

Yes!

Here’s how:

  • Use color. Paint can be purchased inexpensively. Pillows and other accessories can be purchased at discount stores such as Ross, TJ Max, or even your local thrift store. Garage sales are all the rage.
  • Less is more. Pictures are great for a room but not too many. Gathered treasures can show your passion for pottery, but too many makes your room too busy. Keeping things simple will make your room look larger and more like that magazine cover. When it comes to furniture, less is truly more. Don’t gob up the space with too heavy, or too much furniture.
  • For variety, place your sofa away from the largest wall. If you can’t seem to get away from this “common” choice, make sure your pictures hang only a couple of inches above the back of the couch, not two feet.
  • Buy used furniture and fix it up with paint and/or new cushions. Match the fabric to your pillows.
  • Start with the living room. That’s what most folks will see. The kitchen should be second, followed by the bathrooms and bedrooms.

Getting the look you want cheaply and with style can be accomplished by learning more. Check out those magazines and copy their look by buying less expensively. Talk to your neighbor who manages to do a lot with a little. Keep your eyes and camera handy for outdoor ideas. Bring nature in.

 

 

 

 

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Indoor Plants you can?t kill

June 6, 2011 Leave a Comment
planting time!

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You want to purchase some indoor plants for your home but are unsure of which plants will take the easiest upkeep. You don’t really don’t know if you have a “green thumb”, never having tried in-door plants before. What plants should you choose?

Aloe’s are native to Africa and very popular in America. They need light and water and sunlight. Plump and squishy leaves as well as wilting of the plant will tell you that your aloe is not getting enough sunlight.

Hawthoria from South Africa is a breed of cactus that spouts long, tentacle like fingers from the main core. Little water is required. Hawthoria likes dry soil and bright light. They love windows!

Sago Palm’s almost need to be dug up to kill them. They look like miniature palm trees (although they’re not a palm tree) and are beautiful to behold. Be aware the Hawthoria is poisonous to pets. Bright light is preferred. Dry soil is best; though expect to water at least every couple of weeks. A daily misting brings the Sago Palm back to life.

Pothos love light and you will know when they’re not getting enough of it when their leaves and stems shrink in size. Older leaves turn yellow and the leaves themselves will begin to wilt.

Whatever plants you purchase for indoors make sure you don’t overdo it. It’s better to start out with one plant or two and then add to the number once you feel happy about how your first plants are doing. Before you know it you will be a “green-thumb” to write home about.

 

 

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